ONTC updates drug, alcohol policy

Ontario Northland has updated its drug and alcohol policy in the wake of cannabis legalization in Canada. Renee Baker, communications manager at the Crown agency, said Wednesday the policy was updated in January.

“It wasn’t a change in policy. It was an update to reflect the new language” around cannabis legalization, Baker said. “There is nothing really different in terms of expectations of employers to report for duty and remain fit for duty,” she said.

Baker said employees are responsible to evaluate their own fitness for duty. “We don’t have a specific time” between drinking or cannabis use and reporting for work, she said, noting alcohol and drugs affect everyone differently.

Baker said she was not aware of any issues at the Crown agency since the new cannabis legislation came into effect. Supervisors and managers, she said, are trained to recognize if a person is under the influence, and in some cases tests could be ordered.

There is no random testing at Ontario Northland. “We’re really proud of the employees who take ownership in providing safe and reliable transportation,” Baker said.